To start, we compiled a list of the top-ranked schools with online master’s in economics degree programs as found in Best College Reviews, Business Week magazine, Forbes magazine, Get Educated, Kiplinger, Princeton Review, TFE Times, and U.S. News and World Report. Once we had this master list of top ranked schools, we assessed affordability based on the graduate tuition and fees published by College Navigator. We selected the top 10 schools based on affordability. These schools are accredited by national and/or regional governing bodies and are ranked by at least one major organization.

The result is the 10 most affordable among the top ranked schools offering online master’s in economics programs. We hope this helps you in your search to find the graduate school that best fits your quality and budgetary needs.

Affordable Top Master’s in Economics Online Programs

#10 – Southern New Hampshire University

Online Master’s in Applied Economics

Manchester, New Hampshire

An online master’s in applied economics from Southern New Hampshire University is a unique program that weaves together social sciences, philosophy, mathematics, and economics. The private, nonprofit institution offers a variety of benefits to students participating in the online master’s program. Southern New Hampshire University prides itself in offering some of the most affordable tuition rates in the country and allows students to work at their own pace while completing the program. The school is highly ranked by national and regional establishments, including U.S. News and World Report’s Best Colleges. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the institution as the 131st Best Regional University in the North and the #1 Most Innovative School in the country.

#9 – Purdue University Online

Online Master’s in Economics

West Lafayette, Indiana

Purdue University’s national and regional rankings are difficult to match. Not only is Purdue considered to be one of the most esteemed colleges in the United States, it also offers some of the best graduate programs. The difference between Purdue and other schools of its caliber is the institution’s ability to maintain low tuition rates for grad students. The master’s in economics program at Purdue is offered fully online with the option for completion within two years, or following an expanded three-year schedule. U.S. News and World Report ranks Purdue as the 61st Best National University in the country, #21 among Top Public Schools and Most Innovative Schools, and the 42nd Best Graduate Economics Program in the United States.

#8 – Ohio University

Online Master’s in Economics

Athens, Ohio

The Department of Economics at Ohio University offers a Master of Financial Economics program at the Athens campus. The program is designed for full-time students who currently work or balance family life, while attending school. The program is endorsed by CFA Institute for implementing and abiding by CFA’s code of ethics and standard practices. The school and program are nationally accredited and have received numerous rankings. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks Ohio University as the 135th Best National University in the United States and the 68th Top Public School. The school’s number of Fulbright winners frequently ranks it among other top tier universities. Fortune, BusinessWeek, and Forbes magazine ranks Ohio University as one of the top schools for outstanding academic quality and affordability based on value.

#7 – Ball State University

Online Master’s in Economics

Muncie, Indiana

Ball State University offers an online economics master’s degree program that allows students to earn a business degree with a focus in specific areas of economics. The most popular economics specialty at Ball State’s graduate school is the Health Economics degree program. Students graduating with this accredited online economics degree work in health facility administration, health insurance companies, pharmaceutical firms, and other health care organizations. Ball State’s rankings include national and regional awards. U.S. News and World Report ranks Ball State as the 168th Best National University in its most recent edition of Best Colleges and #91 among the country’s Top Public Schools.

#6 – Georgia Southern University

Online Master’s in Applied Economics

Statesboro, Georgia

The program objective for the accredited online economics degree program offered at Georgia Southern University is to provide graduates with the skills necessary to work in economic development, financial economics, or financial regulation. The master’s of science in applied economics program is offered entirely online and in a flexible format. The school offers reasonable tuition rates that appeal to graduate students who work and balance family obligations. The school is nationally ranked and offers one of the best online graduate business programs (including economics) in the country. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks Georgia Southern as having the 21st Best Online Graduate Business and Economics Program (excluding MBA) in the country.

#5 – University of Wisconsin – Whitewater

Online Master’s in Economics

Whitewater, Wisconsin

For students looking for the most affordable online master’s in economics degree programs, the University of Wisconsin in Whitewater is ranked among our top five. The University of Wisconsin offers a master’s of science in applied economics that can be tailored to emphasize four areas of interest. Specializations include environmental economics, health economics, international macroeconomics, and monetary economics. The school and its graduate programs are accredited and highly ranked among similar universities. U.S. News and World Report ranks the institution as the 50th Best Regional University in the Midwest and #13 among Top Public Schools. At the University of Wisconsin, students not only receive value but quality education.

#4 – Youngstown State University

Online Master’s in Financial Economics

Youngstown, Ohio

The online economics master’s degree program at Youngstown State University combines financial economics with advanced statistical software, offering a unique experience for online graduate students. The unique program design is one of two online programs that allow students to earn a degree that specializes in financial economics. Youngstown has received numerous top rankings and awards for academic excellence and value. Today, it is ranked among Tier 2 Regional Universities in the Midwest, and offers affordable tuition for graduate students. U.S. News and World Report has recognized Youngstown’s online graduate schools among the best in the country.

#3 – University of North Dakota

Online Master’s in Economics

Grand Forks, North Dakota

Not only does the University of North Dakota offer one of the most affordable online master’s in economics degree program, but is ranked in the Top 10 when it comes to public universities with the best return on investment. U.S. News and World Report ranks the institution based on affordability, academic excellence, and return on investment. Among national universities the school ranked #180, and #100 among the top public schools in the country. As far as the online graduate programs offered at the University of North Dakota, U.S. News and World Report’s 2016 edition of Best Colleges ranks the school #25 among Best Online Graduate Business Programs (excluding the MBA). This ranking includes the master’s in economics program.

#2 – University of New Mexico

Online Master’s in Economics

Albuquerque, New Mexico

The University of New Mexico (UNM), in Albuquerque, offers one of the most affordable online master’s in economics programs in the country. UNM is a public research university named nationally in Princeton Review and U.S. News and World Report. The school has received global recognition by U.S. News and World Report as a Best Global University. Princeton Review lists UNM as a Best Western College with high rankings, nationally and regionally. The Department of Economics offers an accredited online economics degree program for graduates, with flexibility to focus on specific areas of interest. The school has received global recognition by U.S. News and World Report as a Best Global University.

#1 – West Texas A & M University

Online Master’s in Economics

Canyon, Texas

West Texas A&M University’s College of Business offers an online economics master’s degree program that has been recognized and ranked in the Financial Engineer’s 2016 Financial Economics Rankings. The program is offered entirely online and in a flexible format that caters to working students who balance life obligations with education. The accredited online economics degree program prepares students for leadership roles in areas of business and economics. West Texas A&M University offers affordable tuition, great value, and a strong return on investment. U.S. News and World Report ranks the institution’s online graduate business programs (including economics) as the 11th Best Online Graduate Program of its kind.

Featured Rankings

Like our name suggests, we’re here to help you explore the vast world of Master’s degrees in all the disciplines you can imagine. If you’re still deciding on a career path, we can help there, too. In addition to providing useful information about various types of Master’s degrees you can obtain, our editors also provide reviews and rankings to help you narrow down the field when it comes to selecting which programs to pursue.